New technology a boost for TMH

The Memorial Hospital may be in the small town of Craig, but it's a facility that sports big-time technology and a professional staff.

In the respiratory ward, the hospital's new ventilators can assist infants to the critically ill, said Chris Evans, the hospital's cardiopulmonary manager.

The new ventilators are smaller than former versions, which makes for more flexibility, he said.

"If a baby is born in the morning with problems, we can take care of that and then be able to help an adult in the afternoon," he said.

The department has a strong staff of five therapists, four of whom are registered, Evans said.

"Our people are more than qualified, they're top of the line," he said.

"Unless you have something that is unbelievably unique we can take care of you here."

Staff in the department is equipped to handle pulmonary functions, help diagnose asthma and offer respiratory testing among other duties.

Registered nurse Art Smith is happy to announce the hospital recently acquired new bladder scanners. The previous machine was more cumbersome and had to be hauled on a cart.

New hand-held devices can determine whether a patient needs a catheter to remove urine, a procedure that is necessary before and after some surgeries, Smith said.

"This tool can help doctors plan for their patients' care," he said.

Dana Kirby, who is registered as an ultrasound and X-ray technician, said the ultrasound equipment not only helps mothers to be, but also can scan heart images, the upper and lower extremities for blood clots and offers a wide range of other functions.

"I think you can get really nice images from it," Kirby said of the ultrasound machine.

A bone densitometer is a new feature in the radiologist ward, said Teri Mansfield.